Illuminations Dessert Party Menu Question

[the5reeds]

We are planning on hosting an Illuminations Dessert Party for my son's wedding next year. Does anyone know if the items selected for the dessert buffet is limited to the items on their information document or can we get anything we want? For example, can we get the Writer's Stop Carrot Cake cookies, Animal Kingdom Lodge Zebra Domes, Norway School Bread, Butterfinger Cupcakes topped from Starring Rolls Cafe, etc?

Also does anyone have any price information on the above example?

This is going to be for a small group somewhere in the 10-20 people range. I realize there are minimums and certain venues that make sense for a group that size, which I believe are Parisian Point, Kazbah Point, Outpost Overlook, Vikings Landing, and Bonzai Terrace. Does anyone have an opinion which venue is the best? We'll want at least bench seats.

 

[elphie101]

Can't comment on the venues, but I'm almost certain I've seen zebra domes before at someone's DP before. You can request anything you want, the worst they can say is no!

 

[lurkyloo]

Yes, in fact, the Disney Food Blog does an Epcot dessert party every year where they serve almost exactly that menu, and it's always really good! I would guesstimate you'd pay at least $35/person for all those items, but only your planner can get the most up-to-date prices from Epcot's culinary team.

Of the spots you mention, only Bonsai Terrace, Outpost Overlook and Viking's Landing have existing seating. Outpost Overlook has a terrible view of the show. Viking's Landing is closest to the action, but you lose some of the high fireworks in the treetops. Bonsai Terrace has a more expansive view but feels farther away. You can see photos of all these locations here: http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/

 

[the5reeds]

Thanks for the incredibly helpful information, Lurkyloo. We estimate the group size might be a round 15.
~ So I assume this would eliminate Bonsai Terrace? (max people 10?)
~ Is it true that most of these venues can bring in tables for a dessert party?
~ From when I've read and seen, Vikings Point has benches, and Parisian and Kazbah Points are standing only?

~ so for a group of 15 with some kind of seating, does this narrow it down to UK Pubside and Vikings Point? (Eliminating Outpost Overlook per your suggestion)

Lastly, this event is 1 1/2 year away, can I contact Disney now about pricing and menus or will they not want to talk to me until we have more firm reservations?

 

[lurkyloo]

Thanks for the incredibly helpful information, Lurkyloo. We estimate the group size might be a round 15.
~ So I assume this would eliminate Bonsai Terrace? (max people 10?)

Yep!

~ Is it true that most of these venues can bring in tables for a dessert party?
~ From when I've read and seen, Vikings Point has benches, and Parisian and Kazbah Points are standing only?

Disney refers to Parisian Point, Kasbah Point and Viking's Landing as "standing-room only" in their documentation and says no chairs can be brought in - just highboy tables. However, someone who recently had a DP at Viking's Landing reported that there were tables and chairs set up, so you never know...

~ so for a group of 15 with some kind of seating, does this narrow it down to UK Pubside and Vikings Point? (Eliminating Outpost Overlook per your suggestion)

Unfortunately, UK Pubside only holds 10. They can definitely bring in seating at Canada Overlook, though, and you'd qualify for that. You may also be able to get French Island Arm (can't remember the fancier name for that one), which allows seating, and, if you can wait til 10 days out, one of the terraces in Germany.

Lastly, this event is 1 1/2 year away, can I contact Disney now about pricing and menus or will they not want to talk to me until we have more firm reservations?

Unless your son is working with Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, it's the latter, I'm afraid. If it were within about a year, Disney Catered Events might start talking to you, but you can't even book til 90 days out, so they're always kinda stingy with the info this far out. If your son or his fiancee has the Passporter, Chapter 5 includes complete details of capacity, venue fees, food and beverage minimums, etc. for dessert parties at Epcot, plus Wishes and Fantasmic. It would at least help you narrow down your choices.

 

[the5reeds]

Once again you have exceeded expectations for valuable information - and it is greatly appreciated, Lurkyloo. I had previously suggested to my future daughter-in-law to buy the PP Wedding book and again reminded her today. We're going to DW in a couple of weeks and will scope out the locations you mentioned. Thanks again.

 

[lurkyloo]

Sure thing!

 

[Lorelei528]

Anyone interested in or is already planning to have a DFTW should definitely purchase the Passporter's Guide.

 

[Persampieri27]

Silly question for dessert party in epcot they do it everyday ...thinking for a Sunday welcome party

 

[elphie101]

Depends of the time of year and locations. Fridays & Saturdays during the Food & Wine Festival in Oct/Nov are blocked because the regular crowds in Epcot are so large, and Italy Isola West (the party of Italy next to to theater in America, but not over the bridge to its own platform) is blocked for the whole festival because it serves as the queue for the Eat to the Beat concerts - I would guess that also happens in December (because of Candlelight Processional) and maybe in the spring for the Flower & Garden concerts, but I've never been in the spring so don't quite me on it.

Our dessert party is on a Sunday, the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, so it does happen, though I guess be prepared for some random reason why Disney says it can't.

 

[Persampieri27]

Depends of the time of year and locations. Fridays & Saturdays during the Food & Wine Festival in Oct/Nov are blocked because the regular crowds in Epcot are so large, and Italy Isola West (the party of Italy next to to theater in America, but not over the bridge to its own platform) is blocked for the whole festival because it serves as the queue for the Eat to the Beat concerts - I would guess that also happens in December (because of Candlelight Processional) and maybe in the spring for the Flower & Garden concerts, but I've never been in the spring so don't quite me on it. Our dessert party is on a Sunday, the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, so it does happen, though I guess be prepared for some random reason why Disney says it can't.

Thanks yea welcome party Sunday and Monday wedding so much cheaper I been looking